From Bucharest: Draculas Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Old Town Full Day Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through Romania’s storied past with this full-day tour from Bucharest. Explore the iconic Dracula’s Castle, marvel at the stunning architecture of Peles Castle, and learn about the charming old town of Brasov. With air-conditioned transportation, local guide insights, and all entrance fees included, this budget-friendly excursion promises an engaging and memorable exploration of Romania’s rich cultural heritage. Discover the secrets that lie within these remarkable landmarks and uncover the enchanting stories that have captured the imagination of travelers worldwide.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion from Bucharest covers visits to Dracula’s Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov Old Town, providing a comprehensive exploration of Romania’s history and culture.
• Transportation and local guide services are included, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience for up to 50 travelers.
• The tour is budget-friendly, with total costs starting from $21.31 per person, including entrance fees and tips.
• Accessibility is limited, with the tour not recommended for individuals with mobility issues or young children under 7.
• Unexpected changes to the itinerary, particularly regarding access to Peles Castle, can occur, so setting appropriate expectations is crucial for a satisfactory experience.

Tour Overview

The "From Bucharest: Draculas Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Old Town Full Day Tour" is a comprehensive tour that allows visitors to explore some of Romania’s most iconic landmarks, including Dracula’s Castle, Peles Castle, and the historic Brasov Old Town.

With a 4.3 average rating from 33 reviews, this full-day excursion departs from Bucharest and transports guests in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Along the way, a local guide provides insights during the bus ride. The tour covers entrance fees, tips, and offers a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for exploring Romania’s rich history and culture.

Transportation and Meeting Details

This tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle to transport guests, departing from the Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 7 taxi stop in front of the Grand Hotel Bucharest. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day. The tour starts at 7:00 am and has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers. Guests are limited to a small handbag or backpack (40x20x25 cm) due to luggage restrictions.

Transportation and Meeting Details
Vehicle	Air-conditioned
Meeting Point	Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 7, București 030167, Romania (Taxi stop in front of Grand Hotel Bucharest)
End Point	Returns to the meeting point
Start Time	07:00 am
Capacity	Maximum of 50 travelers
Luggage Policy	Only small handbag or small backpack allowed (40x20x25 cm)

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes transport, a local tour guide during the bus ride, and entrance fees (payable in Lei or Euro), with tips for the guide and driver covered.

The total cost for this full day experience starts from $21.31 per person. However, keep in mind the cancellation policy is non-refundable, so no refunds will be issued for cancellations.

Key inclusions:

• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Local tour guide on the bus
• Entrance fees to Dracula’s Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov Old Town
• Tips for guide and driver

Accessibility and Restrictions

Travelers should note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Plus, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Children under 7 aren’t permitted on shared tours, but the local partner can arrange for private tour options. The tour’s accessibility is limited, so participants should consider their physical abilities before booking.

While the tour may not be suitable for everyone, it can be an exciting and memorable experience for those who are able to participate. Travelers should review the restrictions carefully before making their reservation.

Peles Castle Closure

Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you book this tour on one of those days, you’ll only be able to view the castle from the outside.

However, this closure presents some opportunities:

• Explore the charming town of Sinaia and its beautiful surroundings without the crowds
• Visit the Sinaia Monastery, a historic 14th-century Orthodox church with stunning architecture
• Wander through the manicured grounds of the castle, taking in its impressive neo-Renaissance design
• Use the extra time to explore Brasov’s Old Town, a well-preserved medieval city with cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture.

Duration of Transfers

Approximate transfer durations depend on traffic conditions.

The tour includes transfers between Bucharest, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and Brasov Old Town. While the total distance is relatively short, actual travel times can vary significantly due to unpredictable traffic.

Expect the transfer from Bucharest to Peles Castle to take around 1.5 hours each way. The drive from Peles to Bran Castle is about 45 minutes, and the final leg from Bran to Brasov is around 30 minutes.

Plan for an early start to account for potential delays and maximize time at each destination. The exact durations will depend on the day’s conditions.

Tour Experience

Though the tour offers access to some of Romania’s top attractions, the overall experience seems to receive mixed reviews from travelers.

Complaints include:

• Dissatisfaction with time management, with some feeling rushed through sites
• Concerns about the guide’s behavior, with reports of poor communication and organizational skills
• Frustration over unexpected changes to the itinerary, such as limited access to Peles Castle on certain days
• A few travelers expressing disappointment with the overall quality and value of the experience compared to the cost.

Important Considerations

Travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind when booking this tour. First, be aware that Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if the tour is booked on those days, only an outside view will be available. Plus, the duration of the transfers can vary depending on traffic conditions. Finally, while the tour generally receives positive reviews, some travelers have reported issues with the organization and timing, as well as the behavior of the tour guide. To ensure a pleasant experience, it’s best to set appropriate expectations.

Key Considerations	Details
Peles Castle Closure	Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Transfer Duration	Approximate, subject to traffic
Tour Experience	Mixed reviews on organization and guide behavior
Age Restrictions	Children under 7 not allowed on shared tours
Health Restrictions	Not recommended for certain medical conditions

Ask Away

Can I Add Additional Stops to the Tour Itinerary?

Additional stops may be possible, but it’s best to contact the tour operator directly. They can assess if modifications fit within the tour schedule and provide pricing details for customized itineraries.

Is Photography Allowed at the Tour Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the tour sites, but visitors should check with the guides or on-site staff for any restrictions. Some historic sites may have specific rules regarding photography to preserve the integrity of the locations.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?

The tour doesn’t include any meals, so there are no dietary restrictions. Travelers are responsible for their own meals and snacks during the tour.

Will There Be Any Free Time for Independent Exploration?

Yes, the tour typically includes free time for independent exploration in Brasov Old Town. Travelers can wander the historic streets, visit local shops and restaurants, and soak in the charming atmosphere at their own pace.

How Much Local Currency Should I Bring for Optional Expenses?

For optional expenses, the tour recommends bringing 15-20 euros or the equivalent in Romanian lei. This should cover any additional costs like meals, souvenirs, or personal items during the day.

Final Words

This budget-friendly tour offers an engaging exploration of Romania’s cultural heritage. Visitors will experience the iconic Dracula’s Castle, the stunning Peles Castle, and the charming Brasov Old Town, with air-conditioned transportation, local guide insights, and all entrance fees included. It’s a convenient and memorable way to discover the rich history and architecture of this captivating destination.